The competition-specific updates and competitor preparation instructions listed below provide members with the latest information about themes, clarifications, the professional development test study guide, national competitor online submissions, testing requirements, and more. A competition update includes information not already published in the official SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards but that a competitor and/or advisor must know for the national competition. State specific competition updates are not available on the national website.
Important Notes
Internet Connectivity: Wi-Fi access at NLSC is primarily provided on the 5 GHz band. Competitors are responsible for ensuring their devices are compatible with 5 GHz networks. If needed, bring a compatible 5 GHz Wi-Fi adapter.
Computers must have all required, fully licensed software pre-installed and tested before arriving at the competition. Unless specifically authorized by the national technical committee, internet access is not permitted during the competition. For maximum reliability, it is recommended that all required software be capable of running offline. Competitors must also have administrative rights to their computers to make any required system changes before the competition begins.
Competitor Keys to Success and General Resources
Uploading digital documents—such as scanned binders or portfolios—allows technical committees to review scorable components before the event. Failure to upload in the correct format may result in point deductions. Physical copies must still be presented on-site for review.
While the use of the provided resume template is optional, all competitors must follow the naming convention, save their file as a PDF, and adhere to page limits.
A printed resume may be brought on competition day; however, failure to upload the resume in advance will still incur a penalty. Be sure to review the Technical Standards as some competitions also require a printed copy.
Resources include:
These sample rubrics integrate SkillsUSA technical standards into the classroom and help develop workforce readiness skills. Reviewing the rubric for your event can provide useful insights into judging expectations. Rubrics are based on the previous National Leadership and Skills Conference and are provided as examples only. They are subject to change due to equipment availability, facility or local constraints, competition updates, and revisions to skill performance stations.
The Technical Standards indicate which events require a competition-specific knowledge test. The type (online, paper, or onsite) and the deadline are determined in collaboration with national partners. Competition updates will notify national competitors if their competition-specific knowledge test will be administered pre-conference.
The Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) does NOT accept direct shipments to its physical address. Shipping must be arranged independently through a commercial carrier—both delivery to and return from Atlanta.
Shipping is not an automatic process; consideration should be made for potential expenses when shipping competition materials using a commercial carrier. SkillsUSA will not be held responsible for improperly labeled shipments, shipping damage, lost shipments, and/or delayed delivery. SkillsUSA is not responsible for locating lost shipments if items are shipped directly to GWCC.
This topic is to be addressed by competitors in the SkillsUSA Chapter Display, Prepared Speech and Promotional Bulletin Board competitions. The SkillsUSA competition theme for the 2026-27 school year is: SkillsUSA: Level UP
The required attire listed in the SkillsUSA Technical Standards outlines the minimum clothing expectations for each competition, including color specifications and the requirement for closed-toe shoes. These requirements establish a consistent baseline across all contests; however, advisors and competitors are responsible for selecting specific clothing and footwear that also meet industry expectations, OSHA guidelines, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the trade area.
Competitors should choose garments and shoes that are not only compliant with the technical standards but also appropriate for the tasks commonly performed within their industry. For example, in a trade area where participants routinely work on ladders, such as electrical and other building trades, competitors should select work pants that allow safe movement and do not create snagging hazards, along with sturdy, slip-resistant work shoes or boots that provide adequate support and traction for climbing. For example, the appropriate work shoes for a telecommunications worker include a style boot with steel or composite toes, puncture-resistant construction, and sturdy, slip-resistant outsoles that provide adequate support and traction.
Advisors and competitors are encouraged to review both the technical standards and typical industry PPE requirements to ensure clothing selections support safety, professionalism, and successful performance in a competitive environment.
Competition-specific updates will be posted here as needed. These updates will be published as soon as they are finalized by the technical committees. Competitors are responsible for reviewing these updates to ensure they have the most current information regarding pre-conference requirements.
Note: If a competition requires an online, competition-specific knowledge test as part of the pre-conference requirements, instructions for completing the test will also be listed below as part of the competition-specific updates.